The newly formed “Strong Democracy” thematic club is launching its activities.

We did it! PDG Franz Rainer Enste (RC Langenhagen-Wedemark), as charter representative for District 1800, was able to recruit 40 new members for the new club. On July 25, in Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, during a special ceremony, Governor Michael Koch (RC Hannover-Eilenriede) presented them with the charter certificate—issued on July 13 by Rotary International President 2026/27, Olayinka H. Babalola, and accompanied by an inspiring letter of congratulations.

The new club sees itself as a “Rotary think tank” on matters of democracy and is guided by the following fundamental principles: Rotary is a community of values committed to core ethical principles. At its core, this involves upholding a view of humanity based on mutual respect, strengthening tolerance, consideration, and respect for others, and preserving freedom and shared responsibility rooted in solidarity.

The Rotary community of values therefore stands for the inalienable dignity of every human being, for a democracy based on freedom and the rule of law, and for the rejection of all forms of extremism, racism, anti-Semitism, and group-focused hostility. Membership in Rotary therefore requires continuously taking a clear stance—both internally and externally—on the aforementioned Rotary values and visibly communicating them; actively supporting nonpartisan initiatives and educational events promoting democracy, diversity, and human rights; and repeatedly reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service, peace in freedom, and international understanding.

Strengthening a profound and lasting understanding of democracy is not merely about a formal principle of state organization. Rather, it involves a targeted, project-oriented impact on the outside world—particularly among younger generations (including through contemporary efforts to foster a culture of remembrance)—but also, in the spirit of self-affirmation, an internal impact within the clubs and their understanding of values-based action.

We warmly welcome additional qualified candidates to join the new club as members. Please contact us!